Who Is Ed McMahon? Age, Biography and Wiki
Ed McMahon was born on March 6, 1923, in Detroit, Michigan, and passed away on June 23, 2009. As of 2025, he would have been 102 years old. McMahon is best known for his role as the announcer on The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson, where his famous catchphrase, "Heeeeeere's Johnny!", became iconic. He also hosted the popular talent show Star Search and was a prominent figure in American television for many decades.
McMahon served in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and later pursued a career in radio and television. Throughout his life, he garnered numerous accolades, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
| Occupation | Game Show Host |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1923 |
| Age | 86 Years |
| Birth Place | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 23 June, 2009 |
| Died Place | Los Angeles, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Ed McMahon's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ed McMahon stood tall at approximately 6 feet (183 cm). His weight varied throughout his life due to the fluctuations that come with age, but he was generally around 180 lbs (82 kg) during his prime. His measurements were reflective of a traditional television audience-friendly physique, contributing to his charismatic on-screen presence.
McMahon died on June 23, 2009, shortly after midnight at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. He was 86 years old. His nurse, Julie Koehne, stated he went peacefully. No formal cause of death was given, but McMahon's publicist attributed his death to the many health problems he had suffered over his final months.
McMahon had said that he still suffered from his neck injury the past two years. His funeral was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Ed McMahon had a complex family life. He was married twice; his first marriage was to Victoria Valentine in 1946, which lasted until 1972. He later married Pamela McMahon in 1976 and remained with her until his passing in 2009. McMahon had five children from his marriages, ensuring that his legacy continues through his family.
In the context of romantic relationships, Ed was often seen with various personalities throughout his life but remained dedicated to his family and primarily associated with his wives and children.
His famous opening line "Heeere's Johnny!" was used in the 1980 horror film The Shining by the character Jack Torrance (played by Jack Nicholson) as he goes after his wife and child with an axe. McMahon did in-program commercials for many sponsors of The Tonight Show, most notably Budweiser beer and Alpo dog food, and also did commercials for them that ran on other programs.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2009, Ed McMahon's net worth was estimated to be around $10 million. His income was largely derived from his television career as an announcer and host, endorsements, and various projects. Even in 2025, his impact on television continues to resonate, reminding audiences of his contributions and charisma that made him a household name.
Career, Business and Investments
Ed McMahon’s career spanned several decades and included various roles in television and radio. He was a prominent announcer on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992, a position that solidified his status in the entertainment industry. In addition to his work on television, McMahon also invested in several businesses and appeared in various commercials and public service campaigns, leveraging his celebrity status.
One of his notable ventures was the partnership with American Family Publishers, where he served as the spokesperson, promoting sweepstakes and lotteries that offered substantial prizes.
(a fundraiser and an entertainer), and Eleanor (Russell) McMahon. He was raised in Lowell, Massachusetts, often visiting his paternal Aunt Mary (Brennan) at her home on Chelmsford Street. McMahon worked for three years as a carnival barker in Mexico, Maine, before serving as a fifteen-year-old bingo caller in the state.
He put himself through college as a pitchman for vegetable slicers on the Atlantic City boardwalk. He landed his first broadcasting job at WLLH-AM in Lowell, and his television career launched in Philadelphia at WCAU-TV.
Social Network
While Ed McMahon passed away in 2009, his legacy continues to be celebrated on social media and various platforms dedicated to classic television. Fans often share tributes, clips from The Tonight Show, and stories about his greatest moments. Although he is not an active presence today, various fan pages and groups ensure that his contributions to the entertainment world are not forgotten.
The night of McMahon's death, Conan O'Brien paid him tribute on The Tonight Show: It is impossible, I think, for anyone to imagine The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson without Ed McMahon. Ed's laugh was really the soundtrack to that show. He created the most iconic two-shot in broadcasting history. There will never be anything like that again.
Education
Ed McMahon attended the University of Michigan after serving in the military. He began his education in the field of performing arts, which laid the groundwork for his eventual career in television. His time at the university helped him refine his skills and pursue his passion for broadcasting and entertainment.
Ed McMahon remains an enduring figure in American television history. His legacy continues to be celebrated, and his work inspires new generations of entertainers even in 2025.
McMahon hoped to become a United States Marine Corps fighter pilot. Prior to the US entry into World War II, both the Army and Navy required pilot candidates to attend at least two years of college. McMahon studied at Boston College from 1940 to 1941.
On The Howard Stern Show in 2001, he stated that after Pearl Harbor was attacked, the college requirement remained in effect and he still had to finish his two years of college before applying for Marine Corps flight training.
